FBI Director Kash Patel spoke about supporting the Second Amendment, which gives people the right to own guns. He advised people to avoid bringing loaded guns to protests due to safety concerns. This comes after a lawful gun owner was shot by a federal agent during a protest in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI and commented on gun rights related to protests.
He emphasized support for the Second Amendment, which allows people to own guns.
Patel advised against bringing loaded weapons to potentially dangerous protests.
His remarks followed criticism after a lawful gun owner was killed at a Minneapolis protest.
Several gun rights groups disagreed with Patel's comments, saying they might harm gun rights.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus stated that state law does not prohibit carrying guns at protests if you have a permit.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) also voiced concerns about Patel's comments.
Alexander Vindman, a former U.S. Army officer and national security official who became known for his role in the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, has announced that he is running for the U.S. Senate in Florida as a Democrat.
Key Facts
Alexander Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran.
He previously served as a national security official.
Vindman was involved in the first impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
He announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Florida.
Vindman is running as a member of the Democratic Party.
The news was reported by Newsweek as a breaking story.
The article discusses support for Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino from MAGA social media users following reports he might leave his position in Minnesota. Conflicting reports emerged about Bovino's status after an incident where a federal immigration agent shot and killed an intensive care nurse in Minnesota. Despite the reports, the White House confirmed Bovino remains in his role, and President Trump sent an official to Minnesota to oversee immigration operations.
Key Facts
MAGA supporters are backing Greg Bovino after reports he might leave his post in Minnesota.
Bovino is the chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector in Southern California.
Confusion arose after Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, was killed by a federal agent in Minnesota during immigration enforcement.
There were conflicting accounts about whether Pretti was armed and resisted officers.
The White House confirmed Bovino had not been removed from his duties.
President Trump sent Tom Homan to Minnesota to manage ICE operations.
Debates are ongoing within the political right regarding the incident and responses to it.
President Trump's approval rating on immigration has dropped to its lowest point ever, according to a new poll. The survey results come amid public backlash after two fatal shootings linked to immigration enforcement. More than half of the poll respondents believe immigration officials have been too aggressive in their actions.
Key Facts
President Trump’s immigration approval rating is now at 39%.
This rating dropped from 41% earlier in the same month.
The drop follows incidents where immigration agents were involved in two fatal shootings.
One of the victims was Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse shot by a border agent.
Another victim, Renee Nicole Good, was shot by an ICE agent earlier in the month.
More than 58% of people surveyed think immigration enforcement has been too harsh.
President Trump plans to send his border adviser, Tom Homan, to Minneapolis.
An additional poll found similar sentiments about immigration enforcement.
Protesters gathered outside a Minneapolis hotel where President Trump's senior immigration official, Gregory Bovino, was believed to be staying. The demonstration followed tension in the city after a second fatal shooting by federal agents. Officials expect Bovino to leave Minneapolis soon.
Key Facts
Protesters were outside a hotel in Minneapolis.
They believe Gregory Bovino, a senior immigration official under President Trump, was staying there.
The demonstration was against ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tensions increased in the city after a fatal incident involving federal officers.
Immigration agents are reducing their presence in Minnesota after recent fatal shootings involving federal agents led to public criticism. City and federal officials confirmed some agents will leave the state, following calls for independent investigations and conversations between local leaders and President Trump. The shootings sparked bipartisan demands for greater accountability and an investigation into the incidents.
Key Facts
Federal agents are starting to leave Minnesota amid criticism following fatal shootings.
On January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
On January 24, agents were involved in another fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Public outcry has led to calls for independent investigations into both incidents.
Democratic and some Republican lawmakers want transparency on the use of force.
President Trump and Minnesota officials discussed reducing the federal agent presence.
Operation Metro Surge, involving many federal agents, has been criticized for its scope.
Conversations between Minnesota leaders and President Trump signaled a potential shift in immigration enforcement strategies.
The tax season for 2025 has begun in the United States, with the IRS now accepting tax returns. Several new tax deductions and changes are available this year due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump. Taxpayers can also find various options for filing their returns and getting assistance.
Key Facts
Tax season began on January 26 and ends on April 15.
The IRS expects around 164 million individual tax returns for 2025.
A new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces changes, including special deductions for seniors and workers with tips or overtime pay.
Seniors can now claim a $6,000 deduction on Social Security income taxes if they're 65 or older.
Tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 annually on taxes.
The IRS Free File program offers free tax software for eligible people.
President Trump’s order will gradually stop paper refund checks; electronic payment is needed for refunds.
Refunds can be tracked using IRS tools like Where's My Refund? and the IRS2Go app.
Millions of Americans qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but are not claiming it. The IRS is making efforts to increase awareness and help eligible families claim this benefit.
Key Facts
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- and moderate-income workers by providing them with a tax credit.
In 2024, around 23.5 million workers and families received about $68.5 billion through the EITC.
The average amount received per family was roughly $2,916.
One in five eligible taxpayers do not claim the EITC.
People often miss out on this credit because of complicated rules and lack of awareness.
The IRS holds an annual EITC Awareness Day to inform eligible taxpayers about the credit.
To claim the EITC quickly, taxpayers are advised to file electronically and use direct deposit.
Most refunds for those who file early should be available by March 2, 2026.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for comparing the fear faced by immigrant children to Anne Frank's experiences during the Holocaust. This comes amid ongoing immigration enforcement efforts and protests in Minnesota following fatal encounters with immigration agents. The Museum stated that such comparisons are offensive and should not be used for political purposes.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz compared immigrant children's fear in Minnesota to Anne Frank's experience during the Holocaust.
Walz made these comments after a local nurse died in a conflict with immigration agents.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum condemned Walz’s comparison, calling it a false equivalency.
The Museum stated that using the Holocaust for political purposes is offensive, especially with rising antisemitism.
Immigration operations called “Operation Metro Surge” involved ICE and Border Patrol in Minnesota.
Two civilians, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed by federal agents during these operations.
Protests have occurred in Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota, demanding federal agents leave the city.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for "extreme cold" and "freeze" conditions in 15 U.S. states. These warnings involve dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. The cold weather is forecasted to affect states from Florida to Alaska starting Tuesday.
Key Facts
The "extreme cold" and "freeze" warnings cover 15 states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.
Wind chills could make it feel as cold as -20°F in some areas, especially in Virginia and West Virginia.
Temperatures in parts of Florida are expected to drop to 17°F, with wind chills as low as 9°F.
Georgia and Alabama may experience wind chills as low as 9°F, with actual temperatures down to 17°F.
Texans in several counties might face temperatures as low as 18°F and wind chills reaching 14°F.
The cold weather warning extends to some rural and coastal areas, with potential sub-freezing temperatures persisting until Thursday.
Extreme cold conditions could cause frostbite on unprotected skin in 30 minutes.
Katy Perry used Instagram to encourage her followers to contact their U.S. senators to oppose an additional $10 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her message provided contact information and a script to use when speaking to senators. This post came during ongoing debates about federal immigration enforcement methods.
Key Facts
Katy Perry posted on Instagram asking followers to act against extra funding for ICE.
Her Instagram post included a deadline for contacting senators by January 30.
The message gave instructions on who to call and what to say.
ICE currently has about $75 billion in funding, with a proposal for an extra $10 billion.
Perry's call to action happened amid controversy over federal immigration enforcement.
Supporters of liberal causes, like Perry, often oppose increased ICE funding.
If the Senate does not approve the proposed funding, it could lead to a partial government shutdown by January 31.
Approval ratings for key U.S. agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have dropped significantly during President Trump's second term. Concerns have arisen following controversial federal enforcement actions, including fatal shootings in Minneapolis, affecting public and internal perceptions of these agencies.
Key Facts
ICE and DHS are experiencing record-low approval ratings, according to CNN polling data.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, also holds negative approval ratings.
The decline in support is linked to federal enforcement actions, such as fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
President Trump sent Tom Homan to Minneapolis to address the fallout from these incidents.
Internal DHS concerns include leadership and safety issues during operations.
National polls show ICE's net approval fell from around even in Trump's first term to -27 recently.
DHS's job rating dropped from 59% excellent or good in late 2017 to 42% in late 2025.
Officials question whether federal agents’ use of force was reasonable during controversial operations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Greg Bovino has not been dismissed from his duties as a top Border Patrol officer, despite reports suggesting changes in his role following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. DHS officials clarified that Bovino remains a key member of President Trump's team. The circumstances leading to these reports are part of an ongoing investigation.
Key Facts
The DHS announced that Greg Bovino has not been removed from his position.
There were media reports suggesting Bovino might leave Minneapolis and be removed from his role following a shooting incident.
Bovino is the chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector in Southern California.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Bovino's standing on Monday.
A White House press secretary stated that Greg Bovino is an important part of the President's team.
The fatal shooting mentioned is the second incident involving a federal officer in Minneapolis this month.
Newsweek has reached out to DHS for more information.
President Donald Trump is sending Tom Homan, a key figure on immigration, to Minneapolis after a recent incident where federal officers shot a U.S. citizen. This move follows tensions in the city due to the shooting of Alex Pretti, who federal agents claimed had a handgun, but witnesses and family members dispute this. Trump is reportedly discussing the situation with local leaders to find a way forward.
Key Facts
A U.S. immigration chief is expected to leave Minneapolis following a fatal shooting by federal officers.
Tom Homan, known for his role in immigration enforcement, will lead efforts in Minneapolis.
The shooting involved a local man named Alex Pretti, whom agents said was armed, but others refute this claim.
The Department of Homeland Security claims the agents acted in self-defense.
Pretti's family and others challenge the federal account, saying he only had a phone.
There are over 3,000 immigration agents currently in Minneapolis.
Some local leaders have asked for these federal agents to leave the state.
President Trump held discussions with Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis' mayor to address the ongoing situation.
A growing number of Republican lawmakers are questioning President Trump's administration, focusing on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) response to a tragic shooting in Minnesota involving federal agents. They are calling for investigations and testimonies from top DHS officials, including Secretary Kristi Noem, to address the situation. Despite concerns, there is little interest in stopping government funding over this issue.
Key Facts
Republican lawmakers are asking for investigations into DHS's handling of a shooting in Minnesota.
Secretary Kristi Noem is expected to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Top officials from ICE, CBP, and USCIS are also being called to testify in hearings.
Many Republicans are unhappy with the administration's quick response before knowing all the facts.
President Trump has sent White House Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as a response to the situation.
Lawmakers are focusing on DHS, but there is not much interest in affecting government funding over this issue.
The tragic incident involved a confrontation between U.S. Border Patrol and an individual, Alex Pretti, who was armed.
A winter storm has impacted the United States, resulting in several deaths and severe cold alerts for over 200 million people. Some areas saw more than 20 inches of snow, and over 200,000 people in Tennessee are left without power. Weather officials warn of another potential storm hitting the eastern US this weekend.
Key Facts
The winter storm has caused several deaths across the US.
Over 200 million people are under severe cold alerts.
Some regions received more than 20 inches (50.8 cm) of snow.
More than 200,000 residents in Tennessee have lost power.
The National Weather Service reports on the storm's severity.
A second significant winter storm might affect the eastern US this weekend.
President Donald Trump is trying to address the political backlash in Minnesota after the death of a nurse named Alex Pretti. His administration has made changes to immigration enforcement and is engaging in discussions with state leaders to ease tensions. President Trump and his administration are working to build better relations with Minnesota officials after initial conflicts.
Key Facts
President Trump is focusing on improving relations in Minnesota following the death of nurse Alex Pretti.
Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee immigration operations.
Homan prefers deportations that target criminals and national security threats.
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino and some federal agents are leaving Minnesota, indicating possible de-escalation.
Trump had positive discussions with Minnesota's Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey.
Trump previously criticized Walz and Frey but is now working more collaboratively.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to some victims as "domestic terrorists," but Trump's press secretary distanced him from those comments.
Trump called the death of another Minneapolis woman, Renee Nicole Good, a tragedy and noted her father's support for him.
President Donald Trump announced a decision to raise tariffs on products from South Korea to 25%. This action follows claims that South Korea did not follow through on a trade deal made last year, which included promises of investment in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump increased tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%.
The tariffs apply to products like cars, lumber, and medicine.
This change raises the previous tariff rate from 15%.
The increase is due to accusations that South Korea did not fulfill a trade agreement.
The trade deal last year involved South Korea pledging $350 billion in U.S. investments.
U.S. companies will have to pay the higher tariffs on goods imported from South Korea.
President Trump uses tariffs as a tool to influence foreign policy decisions.
He has threatened similar actions against other countries, such as Canada, over trade issues.
A severe winter storm hit the United States, leading to the deaths of at least a dozen people and causing extensive travel delays and power outages. The storm affected areas from Texas to Maine, with large amounts of snow, icy roads, and disruptions to daily life. Forecasters predict another significant storm may hit the eastern United States this weekend.
Key Facts
The winter storm caused at least a dozen deaths across the United States.
Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed due to the storm.
More than 200,000 people in Tennessee lost power as a result of the storm.
New York City recorded 11.4 inches of snow in Central Park.
A significant number of people died in New York City over the weekend due to the storm's effects.
In Texas, a sledding accident led to the death of a teenage girl and critical injury to another.
Canadian cities, including Toronto, experienced heavy snowfall, causing transport disruptions.
The National Weather Service warned of another possible winter storm in the eastern US by the weekend.
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino and some federal agents will start leaving Minnesota. This action shows that President Trump may be changing his approach to immigration enforcement in the state. The decision comes after President Trump and Governor Tim Walz discussed ways to handle the situation differently.
Key Facts
Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol chief, and some agents will leave Minnesota starting Tuesday.
This change may signal a shift in President Trump's approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
President Trump and Governor Tim Walz had a conversation about the state's situation.
President Trump plans to send former ICE director Tom Homan to Minnesota.
The discussions included reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota.
President Trump and Governor Walz may work together regarding state investigations into recent shootings in Minnesota.
Trump's administration aims to identify undocumented individuals already in custody in Minnesota.
Minnesota's Department of Corrections already works with ICE on notifying them before releasing undocumented prisoners.
